Land based unit for seismic data acquisition

ABSTRACT

A self-contained, wireless seismic data acquisition unit having a cylindrically shaped case with smooth side walls along the length of the case. A retaining ring around the circumference is used to secure the cylindrical upper portion of the case to the cylindrical lower portion of the case. Interleaved fingers on the upper portion of the case and the lower portion of the case prevent the upper portion and the lower portion from rotating relative to one another. Ruggedized external electrical contacts are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to the internal electrical components of the unit utilizing electrical pins that “float” relative to the external case and the internal circuit board on which the pins are carried. The seismic sensors in the unit, such as geophones, and the antennae for the unit are located along the major axis of the cylindrically shaped case to improve fidelity and timing functions.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 as a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/154,413 filed on May 22, 2008, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a land-based system for collecting seismic data by deploying multiple, autonomous, wireless, self-contained seismic recording units or pods. Seismic data previously recorded by the pod can be retrieved and the pod can be charged, tested, re-synchronized, and operation can be re-initiated without the need to open the pod.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Seismic data collection systems deployable on land are known in the prior art. Such systems typically comprises a plurality of distributed receivers, i.e., geophones, connected in a parallel-series combination on a single twisted pair of wires to form a single receiver group or channel for a station. During the data collection process, the output from each channel is digitized at the station and either stored or transmitted back to a central location for subsequent analysis. Commonly, cable telemetry is used for data transmission between the individual receivers, the stations and the central location. Other systems use wireless methods for data transmission stations and are not connected to each other. Still other systems temporarily store the data at each station until the data is extracted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a land-deployable system for collecting seismic data utilizing multiple, wireless, self-contained seismic data sensor units. Each individual seismic unit is self-contained such that all of the electronics are disposed within the case, including one or more geophones, a seismic data recording device, a power source and a clock. The electronics are housed in a sealed cylindrical package of a shape and having features which enhance manufacture, deployment and maintenance.

More specifically, the cylindrical package includes a cylindrically shaped container portion and a cylindrically shaped top portion. The container portion and top portion mate together to form a sealed enclosure in which the electronics are housed. The exterior of the cylindrical package is substantially smooth along its length.

In one embodiment of the invention, the top portion includes externally accessible electrical pads, which electrical pads are internally wired to the electronics of the package. In such an embodiment, each portion includes teeth which engage the teeth of the other portion when the two portions are mated together. In this way, the cylindrical top portion is prevented from axially rotating or twisting relative to the cylindrical container portion, thereby preventing potential damage to the internal wiring.

In another embodiment, an exterior groove is formed around the periphery of the mated top and container portions, and a split ring is deployed in the groove to fasten the two portions together, thereby avoiding the need for other types of metal fasteners which can become difficult to manipulate as they are worn or covered with debris, such as mud, from deployment. Typically, these other fasteners also require some type of flange, lip or other external projection which can inhibit deployment and retrieval, as well as coupling of a unit with the earth. Moreover, because such fasteners are discreetly positioned on a unit, unequal forces may be placed on the unit as the fasteners thermally expand and contract relative to the plastic the are mounted in. This can cause negatively impact the seal of such units.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the external electrical connectors are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to either the external case or the internal circuit board(s) of the unit, thereby avoiding stress on the circuit board from the varied expansion and contraction of the components of the system, such as the plastic case and the circuit board. The external electrical connectors include pins that “float” relative to the external case and the internal circuit boards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a seismic data unit package.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a seismic data unit package.

FIG. 3 is top view of the unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a cross-section of the electrical connector pin system of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a upper orthogonal view of the pin of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a lower orthogonal view of the pin of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the pin of the electrical connector pin system of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the detailed description of the invention, like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout. Various items of equipment, such as fasteners, fittings, etc., may be omitted to simplify the description. However, those skilled in the art will realize that such conventional equipment can be employed as desired.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a seismic data collection unit or pod 10 of the invention. Pod 10 is comprised of a cylindrical case 12 formed by a top cap section 14 and bottom container section 16.

Cap section 14 is formed of a cylindrical wall 18 extending from a first end 20 to a second end 22, which wall 18 is characterized by an outer surface 24 of a first diameter, an inner surface 26, a closed end 28 at 22 and an opening 29 formed at first end 20.

Container section 16 is likewise formed of a cylindrical wall 30 extending from a first end 32 to a second end 34, which wall 30 is characterized by an outer surface 36 of a first diameter, an inner surface 38 of a second diameter, a closed end 40 at 34 and an opening 42 formed at first end 32.

Cap section 14 is provided with a plurality of teeth 44 extending around the periphery of cap section 14 and container section 16 is provided with a plurality of teeth 46 extending around the periphery of container section 16. In one embodiment of the invention, the teeth 44 of the cap section 14 are spaced apart so as to form notches 48 therebetween disposed to receive the teeth of 46 of container section 16 when cap section 14 and container section 16 are joined together. Likewise, the teeth 46 of the container section 16 are spaced apart so as to form notches 50 therebetween disposed to receive the teeth of 44 of cap section 14 when cap section 14 and container section 16 are joined together, such that the alternating teeth 44, 46 are interleaved with one another. When so joined, the meshed teeth prevent cylindrical cap section 14 from axially rotating or twisting relative to container section 16. While the teeth and notches are depicted as rectangular in shape, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the teeth and notches could have any shape so long as they join together to prevent relative rotation of the cap and container sections.

In one embodiment, an edge 52 is defined at first end 32 of container section 16 and teeth 46 are disposed to extend axially from edge 52. Preferably, teeth 46 are integrally formed and coextensive with cylindrical wall 18. In this embodiment, an edge 54 is defined at first end 20 of top section 14 and a flange 56 is disposed around the periphery of wall 18 at a point set back from edge 54. Teeth 44 and notches 48 are formed by flange 56 such that teeth 44 extend axially along a length of wall 18. A portion of wall 18 extends beyond flange 56 to define a lip 58.

In the foregoing embodiment, the outer diameter of cylindrical wall 18 is substantially equal to, albeit slightly smaller than the inner diameter of bottom 16 so that lip 58 can seat in the open end 32 of container 16. In such case, bottom 16 may include an o-ring 59 disposed within its interior to form a seal with lip 58. In any event, when lip 58 is so seated, the alternating teeth 44 of flange 56 engage the alternating teeth 46 extending from edge 52. Preferably, the outer diameter of flange 56 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of wall 30 so that the interleaved teeth 44, 46 are flush with one another.

In another embodiment of the invention, a fastener system for case 12 is comprised of groove 60 is formed in a portion of cap section 14 and a groove 62 is formed in a portion of container section 16. When cap section 14 and container section 16 are joined together, grooves 60 and 62 align to form a peripherally extending groove around the periphery of said case 12. A band fastener 64 is disposed to mount in said peripherally extending groove, thereby securing cap section 14 and container section 16 together. Preferably band fastener 64 is sized so as to fit in the peripherally extending groove such that the outer diameter of fastener 64 is flush with outer surface 36 of wall 30.

Band fastener 64 is any type of fastener that is deployable substantially around the circumference of case 12 to secure the two sections together. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a band fastener may include, without limitation, a split ring, a snap ring, a spiral retaining ring or an elastic band, such as an o-ring.

In one preferred embodiment, band fastener 64 is formed of metal and case 12 is formed of plastic, such that the two components of unit 10 have different expansion and contraction characteristics as unit 10 is subject to temperature changes. In the past, utilizing traditional elongated-type metal fasteners such as screws or pins to secure plastic components of a case such as is described herein could result in undue stress on the plastic components as the traditional fasteners expanded under heat, thereby damaging the threads or bore in which the fasteners were disposed. Such expansion could also result in unequal securing forces applied to a case. Moreover, repeated removal of the fasteners for maintenance of a case often results in damage to the fasteners, the fastener receptacles or both. Finally, debris from deployment, such as mud, dirt, etc., can render such fasteners difficult to manipulate. The groove and split ring fastener configuration of the current invention overcomes these problems. Since the split ring rides in the groove, there is some play in the ring. It can move within the groove without causing damage. Further, as the split ring expands under a temperature change, an even securing force is applied around the periphery of the entire case. In any event, regardless of the particular type of circumferential band fastener utilized, the band fastener of the invention has the capability of flexing under thermal expansion of the cylindrical case of the seismic unit much more so than more rigid screws, pins or similar fasteners utilized in prior art seismic units.

While such a fastener system need not be incorporated with a case having interleaved teeth as described above, in one preferred embodiment, each tooth 44, 46 includes a groove 60, 62, respectively, so that when teeth 44, 46 are meshed together, the peripherally extending groove overlays said meshed teeth.

It will be appreciated that interleaved teeth and the band fastening system described above are all desirable because they accomplish their various purposes while at the same time permitting a substantial length of the sides of the case to remain smooth, without protrusions of any type. This not only enhances coupling with the ground, but also facilitates deployment and retrieval of unit 10. The foregoing cylindrical unit 10 permits the unit to be easily placed in the ground, as opposed to traditional seismic units that are just commonly placed on the surface of the ground. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that units placed in the ground not only have a better coupling with the earth, but are also less subject to physical force that may be placed on them when simply deployed on the ground surface. In this same vein, noise, such as from wind or other energy sources, is further minimized. Preferably, the unit can be deployed in the field by simply boring a hole in the ground utilizing standard boring or coring equipment and inserting the cylindrical unit 10 into the hole.

Container section 16 preferably tapers along a portion of its length, as is shown at 65, from a first larger diameter, i.e., the diameter at the first end 20, to a second smaller diameter at the second end 22 of container section 16. During retrieval, the tapered section aids in decoupling unit 10 from the bore hole.

A spike 66 may also be provided adjacent end 40 to further facilitate coupling of unit 10 with the ground.

One or more notches 68 may be provided in case 12 to facilitate handling, manipulation, alignment, etc. of unit 10.

Preferably, cap section 14 and container section 16 join together to form an internal compartment 17 in which is disposed at least one geophone, a clock for synchronization of unit 10, a power source, a control mechanism and a seismic data recorder, thereby forming a self-contained seismic data acquisition unit. In such a configuration, electronics may be mounted in both the cap section 14 and the container section 16. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that by employing interleaved teeth as described herein, the adjoining sections 14, 16 are prevented from twisting relative to one another, thereby potentially damaging internal wiring that may join the electronics mounted in the two sections.

In this same vein, a unique electrical contact system may be utilized in unit 10. In one preferred embodiment, unit 10 includes one or more external electrical contacts 100 (see FIG. 3) deployed in case 12, thereby permitting external electrical contact with certain electrical components within unit 10, for purposes such as recharging batteries, data extraction, quality control and the like. The electrical contacts are ruggedized in the sense that they are designed to eliminate damage to them from the harsh environments in which the units may be deployed. Moreover, the contacts 100 are physically decoupled from the internal circuit board(s) of unit 10, thereby avoiding stress on the circuit board from the varied expansion and contraction of the various physical components of unit 10, such as the plastic housing and the circuit board.

At the heart of the electrical contact system is a “free floating”, electrically conductive pin 102, shown in FIG. 4. Pin 102 is elongated and cylindrical in shape having a first end 104 and a second end 106. Pin 102 includes one or more o-ring grooves 108 along its length, preferably at least one of which is adjacent said first end 104. Adjacent the second end 106 of pin 102 is a c-clip groove 110 for receipt of a c-clip (shown in FIG. 6). A flange 114 is defined on pin 102 along a portion of its length between first end 104 and second end 106. In the preferred embodiment, flange 114 tapers axially outward from said first end to said second end to form a flared shoulder, as at 116. Finally, an aperture or bore 118 may be provided adjacent second end 106 for attachment of an electrically conductive wire (not shown). Bore 118 is shown as axially defined in pin 102 extending inward from second end 106 towards first end 104.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that c-clip groove 110 is just one of many possible fastener attachment structures that could be utilized to secure pin 102 as taught herein. Another non-limiting example would be a radial bore passing through the end of pin 102 in which a pin or other fastener could be deployed. Likewise, second end 106 could simply be threaded for receipt of an attachment nut.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that aperture 118 is just one of many possible wire attachment structures that could be provided as an attachment point for a wire to pin 102 as taught herein. Another non-limiting example would be a radial bore passing through the end of pin 102 through which a wire could be passed. Notably, such an arrangement could also be utilized as a fastener attachment structure.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, pin 102 is disposed to mount on a support structure 120, such as a circuit board, carried within case 12. Specifically, support structure 120 includes an oversized through bore 122 through which the second end 106 of pin 102 is disposed to pass until flange 114 abuts upper surface 124 of support structure 120. Through bore 122 is preferably sized with an inner diameter large enough to allow pin 102 to “wobble” or have free radial movement within through bore 122. In other words, when pin 102 is co-axially aligned in through bore 122, an annulus 123 is formed between the wall of through bore 122 and pin 102. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the term “oversized” refers to the inner diameter of through bore 122 relative to the external diameter of the second end 106 of pin 102 within bore 122 and simply means that the inner diameter of bore 122 is at least as large as the external diameter of second end 106 of pin 102.

As best seen in FIG. 4, when flange 114 abuts upper surface 124, a portion of pin 102, including c-clip groove 110, protrudes from through bore 122, thereby permitting a fastener 112 to be utilized to secure pin 102 to support structure 120. In the illustrated embodiment, fastener 112 is a c-clip that mounts in c-clip groove 110 and can abut lower surface 126 of support structure 120.

The first end 104 of pin 102 is disposed to seat within a pin housing structure 128 provided in case 12. In one preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, pin housing structure 128 is provided in cap section 14. In any event, pin housing structure 128 includes a through bore 130 having a first end 132 and a second end 134 and disposed for receipt of first end 104 of pin 102.

In the preferred embodiment, through bore 130 includes an outwardly tapering portion 136 adjacent its second end 134. The outwardly tapering portion 136 is disposed to receive the flared shoulder 114 of pin 102, thereby assisting pin 102 in orienting and aligning in pin housing structure 128. One or more o-rings 131 may be carried on pin 102 to sealably engage through bore 130, inhibiting moisture or debris from entering internal compartment 17 of case 12. As shown in FIG. 4, such an arrangement forms a ruggedized electrical contact since the upper surface of pin 102 at 104 forms an exposed electrical connection pad.

A flexible electrical wire 125 attached to aperture 118 forms a conductive path between pin 102 and electrical components of unit 10, such as the electrical contacts 127 of a printed circuit board. Since pin 102 is physically disengaged from rigid attachment to a support structure such as a circuit board, various forces that may be placed on pin 102 are not transmitted to the circuit board on which pin 102 is carried. For example, any unequal expansion or contraction of metal pin 102 and plastic case 12, i.e., side-to-side movement, of case 12, resulting in forces on pin 102 will not jeopardize the more delicate circuit board on which pin 102 is carried, but will be localized in pin 102 which moves freely relative to the circuit board. Since the electrical wire 125 is flexible, the end of the wire attached to pin 102 can likewise move with pin 102.

Another embodiment of the electrical pin of the invention is shown in FIG. 7, wherein the flange 114 of pin 102 is replaced by an abutment structure 150. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that abutment structure 150 can take many configurations so long as some structure is provided to prevent pin 102 from fully passing through bore 122. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, abutment structure 150 comprises a second c-clip groove 110 for receipt of a c-clip 112.

Regarding the electronics of unit 10, it is also desirable to utilize a cylindrical case 12 as described herein to improve vector fidelity. The accelerometer package, such as a geophone, is mounted along the major axis of case 12 so that the physical structure around the geophone is symmetrical. A seismic data acquisition case of a different shape, particularly those with walls that come together to form an edge or corner, provide structure that can alter a signal path, thereby degrading vector fidelity and the quality of the seismic data recorded by the unit. Similarly, the unit utilizes an antennae positioned along the major axis of case 12, giving it a more uniform GPS sensitivity for location and timing purposes regardless of satellite location, thereby providing a more uniform ground plane.

The foregoing describes a unique seismic data acquisition unit 10. The case is cylindrical in shape. This not only enhances vector fidelity, but also coupling with the ground and deployment of the unit. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a better coupling will be achieved by “planting” units in the ground as opposed to simply deploying the units on the surface of the ground. However, such planting can be time consuming because it creates the need to dig a hole and then back fill the hole once a unit is positioned therein. The cylindrical case permits a cylindrical hole of substantially the same diameter of the case to quickly be dug, utilizing devices commonly available for digging cylindrical holes, such as augers, post hole tool or the like. Notably, such tools would not be overly useful for non-cylindrical cases because the additional labor of “planting” a unit would not be eliminated.

In any event, the case 12 is secured together utilizing a circumferential band fastener system that can be manipulated as needed to open or close case 12 much more quickly and easily than fasteners of the prior art. The fastener system also eliminates the need for external flanges, lips or other structure projecting from case 12, thereby permitting sides of case 12 to remain smooth. Moreover, the system minimizes transmission of damaging forces between case 12 and band 64 under the unequal thermal expansion and contraction various components of the unit 10 experience during deployment.

In addition, case 12 utilizes interleaved fingers 44, 46 to prevent twisting or rotation of the cylindrical cap section 14 relative to the cylindrical container section 16, thereby protecting the various electrical components that may be mounted in these sections. The fingers are further disposed to join together to provide a smooth external surface for case 12, enhancing deployment and retrieval as well as coupling with the earth.

Finally, unit 10 eliminates prior art socket or pin style electrical connectors commonly used in seismic units by providing one or more free-floating pins that form electrical “pads” that are easily accessible for electrical communication with the electronics of unit 10, but are physically decoupled from rigid attachment to the circuit boars of the electronics so that expansion of the plastic case around pin 102 will not cause stress on the circuit boards. Such pads are also easy to clean and easy to electrically engage.

The unit is also self-contained and wireless, requiring no wiring external to case 12 in order to operate during deployment.

While certain features and embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, it will be readily understood that the invention encompasses all modifications and enhancements within the scope and spirit of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A land-based seismic data collection system, comprising: a case comprising a cap and a container, each of the cap and the container having a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface and a closed end, each of the walls forming an open end, the open ends in contact with each other; a geophone disposed in the case; and an external electrical contact disposed in a through bore of the cap, a first end surface of the external electrical contact exposed from a conductive pad element of a portion of the outer surface of the cap, and a second end surface of the external electrical contact communicatively coupled to an internal circuit board via a flexible electrical wire that provides non-rigid attachment of the external electrical contact to the internal circuit board.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cap wall forms a lip that extends into the open end of the container.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a band fastener.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the band fastener is mounted in a groove.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the band fastener includes a metal split ring.
 6. The system of claim 3, wherein the band fastener is elastomeric.
 7. The system of claim 3, wherein the band fastener includes a snap ring.
 8. The system of claim 3, wherein the band fastener includes a spiral retaining ring.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a notch formed on the outer surface of at least one of said cap or container.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the container outer surface tapers radially inward along an axis of the container.
 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising an o-ring groove disposed in said inner surface of said container adjacent said open end and an o-ring mounted in said o-ring groove.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a clock disposed within said case; a power source disposed within said case; and a seismic data recorder disposed within said case.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the cap and container walls is characterized by an inner diameter and an outer diameter, the cap further comprising a flange around the cap wall, wherein an outer diameter of the flange matches a portion of the outer diameter of the container.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the closed end of the cap includes a plurality of raised ribs radiating outward from a central region of the closed end of the cap.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the cap includes a plurality of raised ribs.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the conductive pad element has a smooth exposed surface.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the cap and the container include a thread configured to engage the cap with the container to limit the cap from freely rotating relative to the container.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the container wall extends into the open end of the cap.
 19. A land-based seismic data collection system, comprising: a case comprising: a first section having a first wall with an end plate disposed at a first end of the first wall and an opening defined at a second end of the first wall, the opening defined by a peripheral edge of the first wall; a second section having a second wall with an end plate disposed at a first end of the second wall and an opening defined at a second end of the second wall, the opening defined by a peripheral edge of the second wall; the second end of the first wall and the second end of the second wall configured for connection with each other; at least one geophone disposed within the case; a clock disposed within the case; a power source disposed within the case; and a seismic data recorder disposed within the case; and an external electrical contact disposed in a through bore of the first section, a first end surface of the external electrical contact exposed from a conductive pad element of a portion of the first section, and a second end surface of the external electrical contact communicatively coupled to an internal circuit board via a flexible electrical wire that provides non-rigid attachment of the external electrical contact to the internal circuit board.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the second end of the first wall and the second end of the second wall contact each other.
 21. A land-based seismic data collection system, comprising: a case comprising a cap and a container, each of the cap and the container having a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface and a closed end, each of the walls forming an open end; and at least one of a geophone and an accelerometer disposed within the case, wherein the cap further comprises one or more external electrical contacts, a first end surface of the external electrical contact exposed from a portion of the outer surface of the cap to define a conductive pad element, and a second end surface of the one or more external electrical contacts communicatively coupled to an internal circuit board via a flexible electrical wire that provides non-rigid attachment of the external electrical contact to the internal circuit board.
 22. The system of claim 21, comprising: a groove formed in a portion of at least one of the outer surface of the wall of the cap and the outer surface of the wall of the container.
 23. The system of claim 22, comprising: a band fastener mounted in the groove, wherein the band fastener mounted in the groove is flush with the outer surface of the walls.
 24. A land-based seismic data collection system, comprising: a case comprising a cap having a closed end, the cap defining a cap wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the cap wall forming an open end; a container having a closed end, the container defining a container wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the container wall forming an open end, wherein the open end of the cap wall and the open end of the container wall contact each other; a geophone disposed in the case; at least one through bore passing through the cap or passing through the container; an elongated, electrically conductive pin having a first end and a second end; an o-ring groove defined along the pin; a fastener attachment structure defined adjacent the second end; a wire attachment structure defined adjacent the second end; and an o-ring mounted in the o-ring groove of the pin and sealably engaging the through bore of the cap or of the container.
 25. The system of claim 24, comprising: a shoulder defined on the pin between the o-ring groove and the fastener attachment structure wherein the shoulder tapers axially outward from the first end to the second end to form a flange.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the through bore has a first end and a second end and a portion of the through bore tapers outwardly from the first end to the second end so that the flange of the pin is adjacent to at least part of the through bore.
 27. The system of claim 24, wherein the fastener attachment structure includes a c-clip groove.
 28. The system of claim 24, wherein the wire attachment structure includes a bore axially defined in the pin at the second end. 